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Karl Ravech to replace Chris Berman in calling the Home Run Derby

World Series Workout

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 26: Karl Ravech of ESPN speaks on set the day before Game 1 of the 2015 World Series between the Royals and Mets at Kauffman Stadium on October 26, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)

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ESPN announced today that Chris Berman will not be hosting the 2017 Home Run Derby. In comes Karl Ravech, ESPN’s longtime “Baseball Tonight” host, to take over.

The move is part of Berman’s general scaling back of broadcast duties at ESPN, which was announced in January. ESPN’s release did not mention it, but it’s also worth noting that Berman tragically lost his wife in an automobile accident last month.

Whatever the impetus, the move is likely to be well received by viewers. Berman may be a sports broadcasting legend, but his “Back-back-back” calls and often cringeworthy references have long been a source of displeasure for those watching the Derby.

Here’s hoping Ravech doesn’t feel the need to introduce schtick into the proceedings.

Follow @craigcalcaterra